How do you get out of old patterns, such as outdated tech? By embracing fresh perspectives and that's where diversity comes into play. Read our blog post to learn more about why the tech industry needs more diversity.

It’s a homogenous world - for now

The tech industry has a well-established challenge with diversity and inclusion. However, large tech companies are making slow but steady progress in improving representation in the workforce.

Increasing awareness of the tech diversity gap has, for example, triggered different initiatives such as industry panels, TED talks and discussions in diverse coding communities to help boost the inflow of developers. One example is Code First Girls, a social enterprise that delivers training and activities and collaborates with companies to increase the number of women in tech.

Why we need diversity in tech

Half of all consumers of technology are women, yet most of the people behind tech products are men. This doesn’t make sense, especially with products that exclusively cater to women’s needs. The lack of representation in technology means that many people miss out on the chance to impact new products on the market and the tech business in general.

Reducing the diversity gap is not only beneficial for women. Equal representation in the workforce raises the global BNP, and diverse companies perform better financially. When allowing, for example, different ages, genders, and nationalities to significantly impact tech, companies improve the quality of new applications and make the tech industry more equal and comprehensive. In the end, it’ll also give consumers products that are more suitable to their needs.

Guide: Are you developing or just developing? How to speed up your career in tech! 

No one is saying that one demographic is better at finding solutions, but having a diverse team means it’ll be easier to inspire each other to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas. That’s why diversity is so important. Yet, according to a study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology, only 20 % of computer software engineer positions are held by women.

This means that roughly 80 % of this particular problem-solving is done by men, while many women and non-binary people in tech feel that they have to work hard to prove their worth. Employers should instead enable all demographics to contribute with their skills and take part in building dynamic teams where a diversity of ideas have the potential to create better results.

Good enough is enough

Minorities in the tech industry, and society in general, often struggle with self-doubt, which can lead to playing it safe. But if you’re a minority working in tech, don’t worry about being unprepared. Trust yourself that you’re capable. As with everything, you’ll grow and learn from your experiences.

Read more: Stay curious – no matter how experienced you are!

Be fearless!
The opportunities with the highest risks often come with the most significant rewards. As a minority in the tech industry, be fearless, accept feedback, and immerse yourself in new knowledge whenever possible.

Find someone to look up to!
Working in a tech company that’s not diverse can sometimes feel lonely. But you’re not. Find someone who can guide you and with whom you can bounce your ideas, whether in your team, on social media, or tech-specific forums.

Be someone that others look up to!
Being a prominent figure in your team or the industry means you’ll inspire others. Take the chance to lead, be vocal, and others will follow in your footsteps.

Don’t give up!
If it takes time to reach your goals, it takes even more to change company cultures and businesses. Slowly but steady, the industry is becoming equal, and you’re a vital part of getting us there.

—

At HiQ, we’re proud to be a co-creating partner of the Swedish Women in Tech initiative. Its network and conference aim to inspire women and non-binary people to consider and stay within the tech field. Together with WIT, we’ve organised several events to attract and encourage more women and non-binary people to become a part of the tech industry.

HiQ is a creative tech consulting group committed to ending bad tech and simplifying and improving people’s lives. Our best weapon in the fight against bad tech is our brilliant employees, a powerful blend of talent willing to try, improve and discover. Check out our videos called “What’s life at HiQ really like” to find out how our employees feel about working here.